Freeman, whose friendship with Hackman spans decades, called the late actor a “giant” of the film industry in his homage.

"This week, our community lost a giant," the actor, who starred in two films with the late Academy Award winner, says The post Morgan Freeman Pays Oscars Tribute to ‘Dear Friend’ and Co-Star Gene Hackman | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman, introducing the In Memoriam segment at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, paid his respects to Gene Hackman, praising his late co-star as a "giant" of Hollywood — and "a dear friend.